Former India Test batsman Chetan Chauhan, who had tested COVID positive, breathes his last aged 73
Chetan Chauhan, who was Sunil Gavaskar's opening partner in Tests, passed away on Sunday (August 16). He had tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19)
FollowNew Delhi: Former India Test cricketer Chetan Chauhan, who had tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19), passed away at a hospital in Gurugram (Haryana), on Sunday evening (August 16). He was 73.
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Chauhan, who was serving as a Cabinet minister in the Uttar Pradesh’s Yogi Adityanath government, was put on life support on Saturday. He was a two-time Lok Sabha MP.
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A right-handed batsman, Chauhan played 40 Tests and seven ODIs for India between 1969 and 1981. He was Sunil Gavaskar’s opening partner in many Test matches. He was Gavaskar's most prolific opening partner in Tests with the pair scoring over 3,000 runs with 10 century-plus stands. Their best was 213 in England in 1979. At the age of 22, he made his Test debut against New Zealand in Mumbai in September 1969. He scored 2,084 Test (16 half centuries) and 153 ODI runs.
After his retirement, Chauhan was involved in cricket administration with the Delhi and District Association (DDCA). Also, he was the Indian team's manager during a tour to Australia.
In February 1981, when Gavaskar was given out LBW to Australia fast bowler Dennis Lillee at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), he was upset with the decision. India captain Gavaskar forced his opening partner Chauhan to walk off from the ground with him, protesting the decision. However, after the umpiring controversy, the Test resumed with Chauhan returning to bat, thanks to Indian team manager Shahid Durrani. The decision against Gavaskar stood.
Former India captain and coach Anil Kumble took to the microblogging website Twitter to condole the death of Chauhan. The spin legend wrote, "Saddened to hear the passing of Chetan Chauhan. Fondly remember our conversations on the 2007/8 tour of Australia. Heartfelt condolences to his family."
Virender Sehwag, the former India opening batsman, wrote on Twitter, "My deep condolences to Chetan Chauhan's family and well wishers on his passing. Om Shanti!"
